"...besides if your loved ones are with you, you have no one to go home to."
- Jim Webb
Stopped for the night in El Centro then got up this morning and headed home. Jan's bike quit running in Buckeye. Jim came up with a quick solution and soon the bike was on Jim's son-in-law's trailer and headed home.
Al and I ended the trip right where we started it, sitting in a booth at Denny's with our families, tired from the last ride and the knowledge that it was over,somehow it seemed the right thing to do.
I once heard tired described as a good tired and a bad tired. A bad tired is when at the end of the day you find yourself tired from trying to fulfill someone else's dream. A good tired is when at the end of the day you find yourself tired from trying to fulfill your own dreams.
This is a good tired.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
DAY 35 THE FOURTH CORNER
Today we made it! The fourth corner of the United States. It seemed almost surreal and anticlimactic to reach this point. Also somewhat disappointing, not in the fact that we reached it or the place itself. It was disappointing in knowing that this wonderful journey is coming to an end. We are all anxious to get home to our loved ones but sad in the realization that this dream of a road trip is almost over.
The places we have seen and the people we have met along the way will populate are thoughts and conversations for some time. There is no way to pick out one moment or one stretch of road as an all time favorite, only to think of the trip in its entirety.
The places we have seen and the people we have met along the way will populate are thoughts and conversations for some time. There is no way to pick out one moment or one stretch of road as an all time favorite, only to think of the trip in its entirety.
Friday, May 25, 2007
DAY 34 FRIDAY
...and this was near the end of my adventure. So I was more concerned with seeing what I could first hand rather than rush for the camera...
Jim Webb (Slides)
Today we jsut drove, no special stops other than the usual gas eat and other. We continued to head south on 5 not the prettiest road but still interesting heading over the grapevine to drop down towards LA.
A young lady passenger in the front of a BMW was pressing her face up against the window when they went by north of LA. Two hours later south of LA the same BMW pulled up and we started the face making all over, I had to use a plastic water bottle to make faces and soon they pulled away with both of us laughing hard.
Stopped for the night in Oceanside Friday on a holiday weekend is murder in LA.
Jim Webb (Slides)
Today we jsut drove, no special stops other than the usual gas eat and other. We continued to head south on 5 not the prettiest road but still interesting heading over the grapevine to drop down towards LA.
A young lady passenger in the front of a BMW was pressing her face up against the window when they went by north of LA. Two hours later south of LA the same BMW pulled up and we started the face making all over, I had to use a plastic water bottle to make faces and soon they pulled away with both of us laughing hard.
Stopped for the night in Oceanside Friday on a holiday weekend is murder in LA.
DAY 33 THURSDAY I THINK
Headed back out on highway 1, another morning of unbelievable scenery. Ocean views, thick forests, roaring rivers, high cliffs then around the corner and we were at the Golden Gate Bridge. Stopped on the Sausalito side of the bridge for some pics but it was very foggy.
Then drove across the bridge on our bikes in a light fog then into the heart of San Francisco. What a ride right through the heart of that city.
We then crossed over to the east and stopped to visit Al's daughter Laurie at chiropractic school, and soon found ourselves heading towards Interstate 5. This turned into a large traffic jam and we finally stopped for the night about 250 miles north of LA. Another day of great weather great sights, nice people, awesome riding.
Then drove across the bridge on our bikes in a light fog then into the heart of San Francisco. What a ride right through the heart of that city.
We then crossed over to the east and stopped to visit Al's daughter Laurie at chiropractic school, and soon found ourselves heading towards Interstate 5. This turned into a large traffic jam and we finally stopped for the night about 250 miles north of LA. Another day of great weather great sights, nice people, awesome riding.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
DAY 32
When checking out of the motel, Coleen the desk manager, asked what we were doing and when I told her about the trip she asked if I knew Bill. Bill is also doing a four corners trip with his friend Phil but they are camping. I called Bill so they could talk as Bill is planning on stopping to see her.
Left Florence headed towards CA still on the Pacific Coast Highway. Another day of unbelievably great roads and scenery that defies words. Driving into a forest so dark that if you were 10 feet off the road you would be lost conjuring up thoughts of Dorthy and the gang. We then rounded a corner and there was a meadow of yellow flowers. The weren't poppies but I still thought we should stop and see if the scarecrow, tinman and lion were safe from flying monkeys. We then entered the redwood forest the road narrowed to about 20 feet with trees on both sides that were wider in circumference than the road.
The road just continued to get better until we finally called it a night at Fort Brag, CA. Having dinner in a little Bistro we met a nice couple from Lemon Grove, CA. Tom and Dona (yes it only has one n). Dona had observed us checking on our bikes from the second floor restaurant and as they were leaving stopped to ask which ones of us were riding double and to compliment us on the FOUR nice motorcycles. She got us, and we had a nice conversation with them before calling it a day
Left Florence headed towards CA still on the Pacific Coast Highway. Another day of unbelievably great roads and scenery that defies words. Driving into a forest so dark that if you were 10 feet off the road you would be lost conjuring up thoughts of Dorthy and the gang. We then rounded a corner and there was a meadow of yellow flowers. The weren't poppies but I still thought we should stop and see if the scarecrow, tinman and lion were safe from flying monkeys. We then entered the redwood forest the road narrowed to about 20 feet with trees on both sides that were wider in circumference than the road.
The road just continued to get better until we finally called it a night at Fort Brag, CA. Having dinner in a little Bistro we met a nice couple from Lemon Grove, CA. Tom and Dona (yes it only has one n). Dona had observed us checking on our bikes from the second floor restaurant and as they were leaving stopped to ask which ones of us were riding double and to compliment us on the FOUR nice motorcycles. She got us, and we had a nice conversation with them before calling it a day
DAY 31
West from Olympia then south on the Pacific Coast Highway. Picture a winding road with 100's of curves that skirts the ocean then turns inland into dark canyons. This road just keeps on going you enter a canopy of trees that blocks out the sun, climbing up to break out along a cliff looking down on the ocean breaking on the rocks below. Then suddenly the road will drop in a steep decline with 15 mph curves to run along side the cypress trees and the sand. The trees are all bent away from the ocean do to the constant breeze. This is one of the best motorcycle roads I have every ridden on.
Made it as far as Florence, OR before calling it a night, nice motel on a lake and right on the PCH.
Made it as far as Florence, OR before calling it a night, nice motel on a lake and right on the PCH.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
DAY 30 POINT 3, BLAINE,WA
Didn't get on the road until almost noon do to my tire change. They only had my size tire in a wide white wall but I will try to wear it out quickly. Several people had ideas of what to do with it, Jan said color it in with a sharpie, the mechanic said let people autograph it, and Al said just turn it around so the white wall doesn't show (think about it).
About one hour after we hit the road we arrived at our third destination Blaine, WA not much there just a sleepy little fishing and sailing town with a big border crossing. We took the required pictures and drove the waterfront before heading south towards point four then home!
Made it to Tumwater, WA just south of Olympia before calling it a day.
About one hour after we hit the road we arrived at our third destination Blaine, WA not much there just a sleepy little fishing and sailing town with a big border crossing. We took the required pictures and drove the waterfront before heading south towards point four then home!
Made it to Tumwater, WA just south of Olympia before calling it a day.
Monday, May 21, 2007
DAY 29 SUNDAY
"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter"
-Izaak Walton
Wow,this starts our fifth week on the road. Left Spokane looking at the snow way up in the mountains, pretty soon it was at eye level and the temp was dropping. Headed into Seattle and the rain, found out later that they set a record for amount of rain on this date.
Going north out of Seattle trying to get close to Blaine with a tire going bald on my bike in the pouring rain. Jim and I saw a sign from above, a shinning symbol of sanctuary from the rain and cold looming four stories above the surrounding trees. Guiding us like the five wise men to the manger. You guessed it that orange and black bar and shield indicating an open Harley-Davidson dealer.
We were met at the door with hot coffee by Scott and soon arrangements were made to change my tire Monday morning even though the service department is closed on Mondays. With help from the staff hotel reservations a block or two away were soon secured and we were in for the night.
The only thing left to do was hit the lounge for some drinks and conversation then early to bed.
Blaine tomorrow?
-Izaak Walton
Wow,this starts our fifth week on the road. Left Spokane looking at the snow way up in the mountains, pretty soon it was at eye level and the temp was dropping. Headed into Seattle and the rain, found out later that they set a record for amount of rain on this date.
Going north out of Seattle trying to get close to Blaine with a tire going bald on my bike in the pouring rain. Jim and I saw a sign from above, a shinning symbol of sanctuary from the rain and cold looming four stories above the surrounding trees. Guiding us like the five wise men to the manger. You guessed it that orange and black bar and shield indicating an open Harley-Davidson dealer.
We were met at the door with hot coffee by Scott and soon arrangements were made to change my tire Monday morning even though the service department is closed on Mondays. With help from the staff hotel reservations a block or two away were soon secured and we were in for the night.
The only thing left to do was hit the lounge for some drinks and conversation then early to bed.
Blaine tomorrow?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
DAY 28 SATURDAY
"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move."
-Robert Lewis Stevenson
The end of a full four weeks on the road. With a few exceptions that means everyday on the bike putting on miles and seeing this great country. Every single bit has been enjoyable, we have seen great places and met some of the nicest people all over the US. I haven't really been keeping track but I heard Al say that we are over 9000 miles and still have about 3000 to go.
I miss my family and would love to see them but I am in no hurry to end this trip, I wake up every morning and look forward to pointing the bike down the road.
Today we rode along side one river or another the entire day, crossing the Continental Divide sometime before lunch.The rest of the day was spent in the mountains with snow on the peaks and cooler air.
-Robert Lewis Stevenson
The end of a full four weeks on the road. With a few exceptions that means everyday on the bike putting on miles and seeing this great country. Every single bit has been enjoyable, we have seen great places and met some of the nicest people all over the US. I haven't really been keeping track but I heard Al say that we are over 9000 miles and still have about 3000 to go.
I miss my family and would love to see them but I am in no hurry to end this trip, I wake up every morning and look forward to pointing the bike down the road.
Today we rode along side one river or another the entire day, crossing the Continental Divide sometime before lunch.The rest of the day was spent in the mountains with snow on the peaks and cooler air.
Friday, May 18, 2007
DAY 27 FRIDAY
Started the day with a run through Spearfish Canyon, twisties, a river, deer on the side of the road watching us go by. Took a ten mile detour to the geographical center of the United States then on to Montana, our goal for the day.
Blasting down the interstate we spent the day skirting or outrunning storms while surrounded by mountain peaks covered in snow. All the while driving in just a t-shirt in 70-72 degree weather with herds of Antelope on both sides of the road. Played slap the buffalo at one stop during the day, much more dangerous than slap the bull and I went second.
Made it just over 500 miles ended the day in Livingston, Montana should be in Idaho tomorrow
Blasting down the interstate we spent the day skirting or outrunning storms while surrounded by mountain peaks covered in snow. All the while driving in just a t-shirt in 70-72 degree weather with herds of Antelope on both sides of the road. Played slap the buffalo at one stop during the day, much more dangerous than slap the bull and I went second.
Made it just over 500 miles ended the day in Livingston, Montana should be in Idaho tomorrow
DAY 26 THURSDAY
Today was a sight seeing day around the Black Hills of South Dakota. MT Rushmore, Custer state park the Needles Highway, and several other great sights. Will try to include some photos from all.
Ended the day in Deadwood, SD only a few miles as the crow flies from where we started but lots of miles of some of he best motorcycle roads I've ever seen.
Made a quick run from Deadwood to Sturgis, 12 miles, and hit the Harley shop there for a t-shirt.
Ended with a cold beer on the second floor balcony of a little hotel a very satisfying day.
Ended the day in Deadwood, SD only a few miles as the crow flies from where we started but lots of miles of some of he best motorcycle roads I've ever seen.
Made a quick run from Deadwood to Sturgis, 12 miles, and hit the Harley shop there for a t-shirt.
Ended with a cold beer on the second floor balcony of a little hotel a very satisfying day.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
SPECIAL EDITION
If you checked out the latest pictures you noticed several people doing an odd salute. They hold one thump to their head and palm forward extending their four fingers upward. You will notice the whole group at the restaurant, the waitress, JB and Suzy, and Dee our motel clerk all doing this salute. I am not participating in any of the photos. Now for a little history behind this salute.
On our way to the north end of Maine up Route 11 we were told there could be lots of Moose along the road. Shortly after heading up 11 I spotted a moose, no mistaking that head, off the side of the road in a stand of deadwood by a pond, I pointed to it but the two bikes behind me didn't see it. After we stopped I told everyone of my moose sighting and the ridicule started immediately, everyone was sure I just saw a cow. Now whenever we pass a heard of cattle someone in the group holds his thumb to his head fingers up in an approximation of a moose antler.
This has now become a running joke and Al has forced total strangers into making the moose sign for the Road Captain.
I will get even, maybe not today,maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.
On our way to the north end of Maine up Route 11 we were told there could be lots of Moose along the road. Shortly after heading up 11 I spotted a moose, no mistaking that head, off the side of the road in a stand of deadwood by a pond, I pointed to it but the two bikes behind me didn't see it. After we stopped I told everyone of my moose sighting and the ridicule started immediately, everyone was sure I just saw a cow. Now whenever we pass a heard of cattle someone in the group holds his thumb to his head fingers up in an approximation of a moose antler.
This has now become a running joke and Al has forced total strangers into making the moose sign for the Road Captain.
I will get even, maybe not today,maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
DAY 25 Wed
Lots of interstate the first half of the day but the road has no fences, no billboards and crossing the South Dakota plains you can see for miles in every direction. When we reached the Badlands we headed off onto twistys right into the heart of the Badlands. Walking out onto a lookout point you could almost see Butch and Sundance heading into a canyon, very forbidding country.
Leaving the Badlands drove right into the grassy plains where the buffalo roam but the ones we saw were very lazy, no roaming just standing around. Prairie Dogs by the hundreds on both sides of the road plus a few prairie dog relatives that wouldn't make it home for dinner. I was in the lead and one of the little critters started across the road but stopped when he heard my Harley coming. He stayed still until all the Harleys had passed then ran out in front of Bruce (he missed him) but it proves the old Harley T-shirt right, "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES".
Spending the night in Keystone, SD in the mountains on the west side of South Dakota, right by Mount Rushmore. Tomorrow we will do the tourist thing around this area,the Black Hills before heading northwest.
Leaving the Badlands drove right into the grassy plains where the buffalo roam but the ones we saw were very lazy, no roaming just standing around. Prairie Dogs by the hundreds on both sides of the road plus a few prairie dog relatives that wouldn't make it home for dinner. I was in the lead and one of the little critters started across the road but stopped when he heard my Harley coming. He stayed still until all the Harleys had passed then ran out in front of Bruce (he missed him) but it proves the old Harley T-shirt right, "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES".
Spending the night in Keystone, SD in the mountains on the west side of South Dakota, right by Mount Rushmore. Tomorrow we will do the tourist thing around this area,the Black Hills before heading northwest.
DAY 24
Stayed in Des Monies until 1:30 PM Jim and I got the 10,000 mile service on the bikes. We hadn't had them serviced since the 5000 mile service two and half weeks earlier.
JB and Suzy stayed and after lunch we said goodbye and headed west into a very dark sky I switched on the radio to hear The Doors "Riders On The Storm" and thought we were in big trouble. We drove out of the clouds without a drop and made it about 300 miles to reach the southeast corner of South Dakota before stopping for the night.
JB and Suzy stayed and after lunch we said goodbye and headed west into a very dark sky I switched on the radio to hear The Doors "Riders On The Storm" and thought we were in big trouble. We drove out of the clouds without a drop and made it about 300 miles to reach the southeast corner of South Dakota before stopping for the night.
Monday, May 14, 2007
DAY 22-23
"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."
-Henry Miller
The last two days covered 800 plus miles and lots of pretty country. We had miles of vineyards followed by the Welchs Plant, farms forests small towns, but mostly driving.
I like to shut off the radio and just listen to the wind and watch the scenery and I started thinking about my favorite part of this trip so far. I have decided that my favorite is the entire trip not any specific part. It's not exactly Billy and Captain America (reference to Easy Rider) but I do have the cd from the movie to listen to.
We have seen so may sights, from the gulf coast of Florida to Duval street in Key West. Then on to the Atlantic Ocean, the barrier islands of the Carolina's, Washington DC, and the coast of Maine. The view from two wheels is always changing and never fails to impress me with the differences across our country.
This truly is the "Great American Road Trip" an opportunity I'm thankful I am able to participate in. Every day I get on that bike and start down an unknown road with an ever changing route and only some basic goal of getting to each of the four corners of the United States.
JB and Suzy drove up from Kansas City and joined us for dinner and the night in Des Monies, which made our day.
-Henry Miller
The last two days covered 800 plus miles and lots of pretty country. We had miles of vineyards followed by the Welchs Plant, farms forests small towns, but mostly driving.
I like to shut off the radio and just listen to the wind and watch the scenery and I started thinking about my favorite part of this trip so far. I have decided that my favorite is the entire trip not any specific part. It's not exactly Billy and Captain America (reference to Easy Rider) but I do have the cd from the movie to listen to.
We have seen so may sights, from the gulf coast of Florida to Duval street in Key West. Then on to the Atlantic Ocean, the barrier islands of the Carolina's, Washington DC, and the coast of Maine. The view from two wheels is always changing and never fails to impress me with the differences across our country.
This truly is the "Great American Road Trip" an opportunity I'm thankful I am able to participate in. Every day I get on that bike and start down an unknown road with an ever changing route and only some basic goal of getting to each of the four corners of the United States.
JB and Suzy drove up from Kansas City and joined us for dinner and the night in Des Monies, which made our day.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
DAY 21 SATURDAY
You know how sometimes you wake up and your not in a very good mood and still tired dreading the day. Well that is how I woke up this morning, we had breakfast, gassed up and hit the road.
A couple of miles of twisty two lane in the cool morning air with woods and farms dotting the landscape and everything is right with the world. Switched to toll roads to make some time and ended up in Niagara Falls for the tourist thing, awesome.
Upstate New York is very pretty and the people are very friendly until you put them behind the wheel of a car. We are in Dunkirk, NY, will leave New York in about 40 miles and head towards Chicago in the morning.
Toasted to three weeks on the road at dinner and everyone still getting along and enjoying the trip.
A couple of miles of twisty two lane in the cool morning air with woods and farms dotting the landscape and everything is right with the world. Switched to toll roads to make some time and ended up in Niagara Falls for the tourist thing, awesome.
Upstate New York is very pretty and the people are very friendly until you put them behind the wheel of a car. We are in Dunkirk, NY, will leave New York in about 40 miles and head towards Chicago in the morning.
Toasted to three weeks on the road at dinner and everyone still getting along and enjoying the trip.
Friday, May 11, 2007
DAY 20 FRIDAY
Left Portland suited up for rain and soon hit it. So hard we couldn't see, stopped in an underpass and crawled up under the bridge to stay dry.
We drove out of the storm in less than a hundred miles and shed our rain gear. The rest of the day was spent on twisty two lane roads through some of the most beautiful country, following rivers, forests, quaint little towns, in shirt sleeve weather. Crossed New Hampshire, Vermont and well into New York on these roads.
After a break decided to take State Route 20, looked good on the map, this led into a one lane in each direction trip into the bowels of Albany NY. I felt like the narrator of Wild Kingdom; here we have natives in their natural habitat see them drive on the wrong side of a double yellow line, see them run lights, see them wave with one finger, only the bravest of hunters will approach them on two wheels.
Ended up in someplace called Cobbleskill NY, nice Best Western on hill, restaurant attached, Jan was salivating over a softball field out back with some kids playing ball.
Tomorrow we head toward Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
We drove out of the storm in less than a hundred miles and shed our rain gear. The rest of the day was spent on twisty two lane roads through some of the most beautiful country, following rivers, forests, quaint little towns, in shirt sleeve weather. Crossed New Hampshire, Vermont and well into New York on these roads.
After a break decided to take State Route 20, looked good on the map, this led into a one lane in each direction trip into the bowels of Albany NY. I felt like the narrator of Wild Kingdom; here we have natives in their natural habitat see them drive on the wrong side of a double yellow line, see them run lights, see them wave with one finger, only the bravest of hunters will approach them on two wheels.
Ended up in someplace called Cobbleskill NY, nice Best Western on hill, restaurant attached, Jan was salivating over a softball field out back with some kids playing ball.
Tomorrow we head toward Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
DAY 19 (THURSDAY)
Woke up and found out it was a another record setting temperature day in Madawaska, expecting temps in the 80's. For the second day in a row no jacket needed in the northernmost point in the continental US.
Had to hit the Harley shop but out of t-shirts ordered instead which is good, I have to be careful of what I buy as I'm rapidly running out of room, maybe one more refrigerator magnet and I'm maxed out.
The Director of the Chamber of Commerce tracked us down and asked us to sign a guest book and get our picture taken. She was a little hard to understand when you mix a french Canadian accent with a strong Maine accent, vowels are changed, r's are not pronounced, w's become r's and there is no such thing as a long vowel. Very confusing, once I started to get the hang of it I would interpret for the others and apparently some Maniacs (people from Maine) find this irritating.
Made it back to Portland same place we left Wednesday morning tomorrow we head west for point 3.
Had to hit the Harley shop but out of t-shirts ordered instead which is good, I have to be careful of what I buy as I'm rapidly running out of room, maybe one more refrigerator magnet and I'm maxed out.
The Director of the Chamber of Commerce tracked us down and asked us to sign a guest book and get our picture taken. She was a little hard to understand when you mix a french Canadian accent with a strong Maine accent, vowels are changed, r's are not pronounced, w's become r's and there is no such thing as a long vowel. Very confusing, once I started to get the hang of it I would interpret for the others and apparently some Maniacs (people from Maine) find this irritating.
Made it back to Portland same place we left Wednesday morning tomorrow we head west for point 3.
DAY 18 (WEDNSDAY)
"The journey not the arrival matters."
-- T. S. Eliot
With Jeff leading headed north through scenic Portland and up the coast on Route 1. Think postcard perfect New England, the places that Presidents and authors hang in the summer. Clear blue skies and we are ahead of the bumper to bumper city traffic.
During a break somebody mentioned that Stephen King lived nearby and all of a sudden those New England towns were dark and scary, I became overly worried about old cars, dogs, clowns and things I couldn't see.
Left the coast and headed inland to Route 11 north, forests followed by large open areas and snow on the side of the road. Arrived in Madawaska in time to take pics and get a hotel for the night. Very depressed economy with very friendly people found a pizza joint just getting ready to close and convinced them to stay open. Had to toast our arrival with bottled water and diet coke. Formerly 26 bars in town now one and it was closed since the end of the snowmobile season.
-- T. S. Eliot
With Jeff leading headed north through scenic Portland and up the coast on Route 1. Think postcard perfect New England, the places that Presidents and authors hang in the summer. Clear blue skies and we are ahead of the bumper to bumper city traffic.
During a break somebody mentioned that Stephen King lived nearby and all of a sudden those New England towns were dark and scary, I became overly worried about old cars, dogs, clowns and things I couldn't see.
Left the coast and headed inland to Route 11 north, forests followed by large open areas and snow on the side of the road. Arrived in Madawaska in time to take pics and get a hotel for the night. Very depressed economy with very friendly people found a pizza joint just getting ready to close and convinced them to stay open. Had to toast our arrival with bottled water and diet coke. Formerly 26 bars in town now one and it was closed since the end of the snowmobile season.
Day 17 (Tuesday)
Left at a decent time with plans of getting to Maine to meet up with Jim's friend Jeff in Portland. Drove all day and if you count the states we started and stopped in went through six states and about 400 miles.
Only down side to the day was when we stopped to see the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered sub, and the sign said closed on Tuesday. After much discussion we decided that the reason the place was locked up and deserted was because it was Tuesday. Hence, the Tuesday after day 17 in the title. Each day is different but the day of the week holds little significance at this point.
Only down side to the day was when we stopped to see the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered sub, and the sign said closed on Tuesday. After much discussion we decided that the reason the place was locked up and deserted was because it was Tuesday. Hence, the Tuesday after day 17 in the title. Each day is different but the day of the week holds little significance at this point.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Day 16
"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles."
--Tim Cahill
After breakfast had to say good-by to JB, one to many trips to the free clinic, just kidding. He has a new job to report to and we were very fortunate that he was able to spend two weeks with us. We will all miss his humor, it seems as if our group is now incomplete.
Headed north and a little west ending up the day in someplace called Newburgh, NY. Don't ask me where it was we just drove until tired. Great motel on a hill over looking a lake, turns out the longest paved runway is here along with a bunch of C-5 cargo planes.
On our way there we drove through Pennsylvania and on our way into Scranton I was reminded of a nonsensical song a folk singer named Harry Chapin wrote about a truck losing control and crashing on the hill into Scranton, "hit two houses, bruised eight trees, Blue Crossed seven people, it was then he lost his head not to mention an arm or two" you get the idea. Well...there was a traffic jam at the bottom of the hill and there it was a truck that lost control and crashed on the hill that leads into Scranton Pennsylvania.
--Tim Cahill
After breakfast had to say good-by to JB, one to many trips to the free clinic, just kidding. He has a new job to report to and we were very fortunate that he was able to spend two weeks with us. We will all miss his humor, it seems as if our group is now incomplete.
Headed north and a little west ending up the day in someplace called Newburgh, NY. Don't ask me where it was we just drove until tired. Great motel on a hill over looking a lake, turns out the longest paved runway is here along with a bunch of C-5 cargo planes.
On our way there we drove through Pennsylvania and on our way into Scranton I was reminded of a nonsensical song a folk singer named Harry Chapin wrote about a truck losing control and crashing on the hill into Scranton, "hit two houses, bruised eight trees, Blue Crossed seven people, it was then he lost his head not to mention an arm or two" you get the idea. Well...there was a traffic jam at the bottom of the hill and there it was a truck that lost control and crashed on the hill that leads into Scranton Pennsylvania.
Day 15
Drove into DC after reserving the room for a second night. Decided to spend the day in DC as sightseers. Lots of people doing the same thing on a Sunday, great day for it.
Driving up over the hill and seeing the Washington Memorial then the mall area and the Lincoln Memorial is truly awe inspiring. Took a tour of Arlington Cemetery very moving, JFK, RFK, the Challenger Astronauts. Saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, not a dry eye in the place. Also the grave sight of that famous hero Lee Marvin.
Went on to the mall area Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, World War II, Washington, Jefferson, and Police Memorials. Capital Building, and the White House rounded out the paid tour and back to the bikes. We drove over to the Iwo Jima Memorial as a last stop then back to the motel. The only problem was we were in such awe of our surroundings that we didn't eat all day, tired and hungry is an understatement.
Driving up over the hill and seeing the Washington Memorial then the mall area and the Lincoln Memorial is truly awe inspiring. Took a tour of Arlington Cemetery very moving, JFK, RFK, the Challenger Astronauts. Saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, not a dry eye in the place. Also the grave sight of that famous hero Lee Marvin.
Went on to the mall area Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, World War II, Washington, Jefferson, and Police Memorials. Capital Building, and the White House rounded out the paid tour and back to the bikes. We drove over to the Iwo Jima Memorial as a last stop then back to the motel. The only problem was we were in such awe of our surroundings that we didn't eat all day, tired and hungry is an understatement.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Day 14
Late start everyone took it easy, JB and Jan used the morning to catch up laundry. About ten we drove over to Kill Devil Hill, which used to be part of Kitty Hawk, separate township now, to visit the Wright brothers museum. We spent several hours there as it is awe inspiring to stand on the same place that the first powered flight occurred and realize that just 66 years later we landed on the moon, some people witnessed both events. This is a very nice monument and museum well worth the time.
Headed north had to stop and put on rain gear again but once it was on the rain eased up. Do to a Nascar race in Richmond this weekend had to drive to Fredricksburg to get a room for the night, checked in for two nights with a plan to visit DC tomorrow. We are about 35 miles outside DC now.
Headed north had to stop and put on rain gear again but once it was on the rain eased up. Do to a Nascar race in Richmond this weekend had to drive to Fredricksburg to get a room for the night, checked in for two nights with a plan to visit DC tomorrow. We are about 35 miles outside DC now.
Day 13
This one has gone down as "THE VERY LONG DAY" but it was good. Left early stopped for breakfast and put on rain gear as it was starting to rain lightly. I had stated that it would be fun to take the ferry to the outer banks of North Carolina. Apparently you usually need reservations and if you get there at the wrong time it is a two and a half hour wait for a ferry. We pulled up were quickly taken out of line and placed with about twenty or twenty five other bikes.
We boarded last after a ten minute wait with the bikes all on the stern area, we found out this is because it rides better and with 40 mph winds and six foot seas it is easier to hold your bike upright, which we had to do for much of the trip, cold also. Not until after boarding did we learn it is a two hour trip in good weather, somehow this became my fault! JB took a wave over him and the bike but no one had a camera out.
The other bikers on board were a Christian Motorcycle Club, They gathered around and offered a prayer for our safe journey, will post a pic of them when I get caught up.
After disembarking we headed north and quickly ran out of island but guess what there is another ferry and it only took 45 minutes. The islands were then connected by bridges and we were lucky to get a room do to a fishing tournament, in Nags Head. Diner at a local place, waitress' husband is retired San Diego Officer. Met her daughter and we told them we were on 11,000 mile ride, daughter replied, "thats gotta hurt". Nice suite we put three in each room, view of the beach, sound of the waves.
Good day after all regardless of what you here from others, had to break the no driving after dark rule a little.
We boarded last after a ten minute wait with the bikes all on the stern area, we found out this is because it rides better and with 40 mph winds and six foot seas it is easier to hold your bike upright, which we had to do for much of the trip, cold also. Not until after boarding did we learn it is a two hour trip in good weather, somehow this became my fault! JB took a wave over him and the bike but no one had a camera out.
The other bikers on board were a Christian Motorcycle Club, They gathered around and offered a prayer for our safe journey, will post a pic of them when I get caught up.
After disembarking we headed north and quickly ran out of island but guess what there is another ferry and it only took 45 minutes. The islands were then connected by bridges and we were lucky to get a room do to a fishing tournament, in Nags Head. Diner at a local place, waitress' husband is retired San Diego Officer. Met her daughter and we told them we were on 11,000 mile ride, daughter replied, "thats gotta hurt". Nice suite we put three in each room, view of the beach, sound of the waves.
Good day after all regardless of what you here from others, had to break the no driving after dark rule a little.
Day 12
Left the motel and headed for old town Savannah. It was spared during the civil war by the north when the wealthy residents paid off the union soldiers. Very pretty oaks and magnolia blossoms, went down to river street. Two hundred year old cobble stones placed by farsighted drunk workers. Honda riders found the vibration scary and annoying. Harley riders didn't notice a problem.
Headed north into the storm as it turned out, some rain but nothing we couldn't deal with. Stopped for the night in Myrtle Beach it was getting dark and stormy, ended up sixth floor room on the beach for under 80 bucks. Diner in a nearby pub was excellent.
Headed north into the storm as it turned out, some rain but nothing we couldn't deal with. Stopped for the night in Myrtle Beach it was getting dark and stormy, ended up sixth floor room on the beach for under 80 bucks. Diner in a nearby pub was excellent.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Day 11
Headed north with a plan to get out of Flordia before stopping for the day. Drove the interstate for awhile then off onto side roads. Drove through Coco Beach the place the astronauts used to go to drink and where they hid their girlfriends from their wifes.
Then onto the Kennedy Space Center where we wanted to get a group picture. First person said I gotta pee, next one cut off three of use, finally got a good picture juist prior to getting kicked out by the security guard.
Just south of Savannah, GA turned out to be it for the day, good weather nice ride. One grouchy security guard.
Then onto the Kennedy Space Center where we wanted to get a group picture. First person said I gotta pee, next one cut off three of use, finally got a good picture juist prior to getting kicked out by the security guard.
Just south of Savannah, GA turned out to be it for the day, good weather nice ride. One grouchy security guard.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
DAY 10
I've decided I could live in Key West, sun, water, music, art, and a very laid back life style, if weren't for all the damn tourists!
We still had to pack up and leave heading north from Highway 1 Milepost 0, yeh we got a picture. It's about 140 miles out of the Keys back to the mainland. South of Miami we hit the Harley dealer to tighten up a bolt on JB's bike, still riding up Highway 1. Then jumped on the interstate to get through Miami, think speeds of 80+ by idiots on cell phones while changing lanes. Didn't see H or the rest of the CSI Miami gang, must of been at work.
Stopped for the day about 125 miles south of Daytona, it will be our first destination tomorrow.
We still had to pack up and leave heading north from Highway 1 Milepost 0, yeh we got a picture. It's about 140 miles out of the Keys back to the mainland. South of Miami we hit the Harley dealer to tighten up a bolt on JB's bike, still riding up Highway 1. Then jumped on the interstate to get through Miami, think speeds of 80+ by idiots on cell phones while changing lanes. Didn't see H or the rest of the CSI Miami gang, must of been at work.
Stopped for the day about 125 miles south of Daytona, it will be our first destination tomorrow.
DAY 9
A planned day off, we stayed another day in Key West, everyone was ready for a down day. We all went down to Duval for lunch and the mandatory shopping for the wife and kids. Krys your refrigerator magnet is safely packed away.
Every bar and club had live music even on a Monday afternoon, good stuff to. We had lunch at Sloppy Joe's Bar, this was named by Ernest Hemingway and owned by a friend of his, Hemingway wrote and drank right where we had lunch.
During the afternoon everyone went back to the room except Jan and I. We were already riding around in shorts anyway so we stopped at the beach and did some swimming. This turned into parasailing over the Atlantic with four college coeds from University of Miami. Since Jan and I could be there fathers it sounds more exciting than it is, but the parasailing was fun.
JB caught up late afternoon and we again hit Duval street driving up and down, and going to Hogs Breath Saloon for dinner, I got accused of eating flipper but I think it was a much younger dolphin since it was very tender.
Every bar and club had live music even on a Monday afternoon, good stuff to. We had lunch at Sloppy Joe's Bar, this was named by Ernest Hemingway and owned by a friend of his, Hemingway wrote and drank right where we had lunch.
During the afternoon everyone went back to the room except Jan and I. We were already riding around in shorts anyway so we stopped at the beach and did some swimming. This turned into parasailing over the Atlantic with four college coeds from University of Miami. Since Jan and I could be there fathers it sounds more exciting than it is, but the parasailing was fun.
JB caught up late afternoon and we again hit Duval street driving up and down, and going to Hogs Breath Saloon for dinner, I got accused of eating flipper but I think it was a much younger dolphin since it was very tender.
DAY 8
Steve jumped on his Harley and road the coastline about forty miles south, area reminded me of La Jolla except it went on forever. Stopped for breakfast said goodbye to Steve and see ya tomorrow to JB. Headed south into the Everglades and Alligator Alley.
The wimp way is the interstate with heavy duty fencing a raised road and 70mph speed limit. We went the man way across the reservation, two lanes no fence and gators in the ponds on the sides. Had to put the Hondas in the middle of the group, everyone knows gators ain't afraid of Hondas. Stopped at a rest area and took photos of half a dozen lazy gators. Asked Bruce to poke one for an action shot but Bruce isn't very agreeable sometimes to suggestions.
Out of the 'glades headed south on Highway 1 for the Keys arriving a Key West at a decent hour and getting checked in we headed to Duval Street. All you Buffet fans will recognize that street, we quickly found out that the southern section is gay and the northern end is straight.
Had dinner at the original Margaritaville walked around a bit and called it day.
The wimp way is the interstate with heavy duty fencing a raised road and 70mph speed limit. We went the man way across the reservation, two lanes no fence and gators in the ponds on the sides. Had to put the Hondas in the middle of the group, everyone knows gators ain't afraid of Hondas. Stopped at a rest area and took photos of half a dozen lazy gators. Asked Bruce to poke one for an action shot but Bruce isn't very agreeable sometimes to suggestions.
Out of the 'glades headed south on Highway 1 for the Keys arriving a Key West at a decent hour and getting checked in we headed to Duval Street. All you Buffet fans will recognize that street, we quickly found out that the southern section is gay and the northern end is straight.
Had dinner at the original Margaritaville walked around a bit and called it day.
DAY 7
Another morning of great coastline, the sand here is brilliant white completely different than California. Made a stop to get something to drink and Jan's bike had to be push started by JB and I, seems the two heart patients were the only ones healthy enough to push. We then made a highway blast to Fort Myers FL to the HD dealer where we met JB's EBL. The dealer had drive up service and Jan got his charging system fixed while JB, Jim, and I all got our oil changed.
The EBL, Steve showed up and lead us to his house and asked if we wanted to take his boat, twin engine 28 footer, to dinner. Great ride in the boat to a very nice extended dinner with very interesting company, no not me, Steve. Former Army chopper pilot, Air Guard fighter pilot, commercial jet pilot retiring last year from American Airlines.
Back to the house hit the hot tub on the back patio overlooking the water, Steve had us all stay at his place while he went to a friends.
Great guy, JB said he was going to stay an extra day with Steve.
FYI; EBL=ex-brother-in-law
The EBL, Steve showed up and lead us to his house and asked if we wanted to take his boat, twin engine 28 footer, to dinner. Great ride in the boat to a very nice extended dinner with very interesting company, no not me, Steve. Former Army chopper pilot, Air Guard fighter pilot, commercial jet pilot retiring last year from American Airlines.
Back to the house hit the hot tub on the back patio overlooking the water, Steve had us all stay at his place while he went to a friends.
Great guy, JB said he was going to stay an extra day with Steve.
FYI; EBL=ex-brother-in-law
DAY 6
Drove along the coast line almost all day. Small towns white sand with turquoise water on our right with beautiful homes on the left for the first half of the day. The afternoon we drove through some more depressed areas that hadn't quite recovered from hurricane charlie several years ago. We also got to see a new use for single wides. You mount them on top of ten foot high old telephone poles and call them tidal surge safe beach houses. A relaxing day beautiful scenery light traffic.
Called it a day in a town down the coast a bit called New Port Richey where we had a nice meal and caught up laundry since everyone was overdue.
Called it a day in a town down the coast a bit called New Port Richey where we had a nice meal and caught up laundry since everyone was overdue.
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